Too Low for Zero
Encyclopedia
Too Low for Zero is the 17th studio album
by British singer/songwriter Elton John
, released in 1983. For the first time since Blue Moves
in 1976, all lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin
, who has continued in this role to the present day. At the insistence of Taupin, John decided to go back to basics and returned to working with Taupin full time. John also reunited with the core of his backing band of the early '70s: Dee Murray
, Nigel Olsson
and Davey Johnstone
as well as Ray Cooper, Kiki Dee and Skaila Kanga (who played harp on Elton John's self-titled album
and Tumbleweed Connection
). The album was produced by Chris Thomas
and recorded at Air Studios in Montserrat
(the same studio for Jump Up!
) and Sunset Sound Recorders
in Hollywood
. The original LP issue of the album featured a die-cut cover with a special inner sleeve. The four shapes shown on the cover were cut out, with the colours (shown as ink smears on the inner sleeve) showing through the holes. No CD release to date has duplicated these die-cuts. For the first time since Empty Sky
, John would handle all keyboards on this album, due to the departure of James Newton-Howard.
All b-sides released on US singles from this time originate from the 1978 album A Single Man and the 1980 album 21 at 33
sessions. They were also previously released on European singles. In the U.S. it was certified Gold on January 18, 1984 and Platinum on October 13, 1995 by the RIAA.
, except where noted; all lyrics written by Bernie Taupin
.
Side one
Side two
Though Chris Thomas was the album's original producer, Gus Dudgeon supervised the remastering for the 1998 Geffen re-release.
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Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
by British singer/songwriter Elton John
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
, released in 1983. For the first time since Blue Moves
Blue Moves
Blue Moves is the eleventh studio album by British singer/songwriter Elton John, released in 1976. It was also his second double album , and his first album released by his own Rocket Records Ltd...
in 1976, all lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin
Bernie Taupin
Bernard John "Bernie" Taupin is an English lyricist, poet, and singer, best known for his long-term collaboration with Elton John, writing the lyrics for the majority of the star's songs, making his lyrics some of the best known in pop-rock's history.In 1967, Taupin answered an advertisement in...
, who has continued in this role to the present day. At the insistence of Taupin, John decided to go back to basics and returned to working with Taupin full time. John also reunited with the core of his backing band of the early '70s: Dee Murray
Dee Murray
Dee Murray was an English bassist, best known as a member of Elton John's original rock band.-Biography:Murray was born David Murray Oates in Southgate, London in 1946...
, Nigel Olsson
Nigel Olsson
Nigel Olsson is an English rock drummer, who is best known for his work with Elton John. Olsson helped establish the Elton John sound as one of the first members of John's band, on drums, percussion and backing vocals. When not working with Elton, Olsson has taken up the role of a session musician...
and Davey Johnstone
Davey Johnstone
Davey Johnstone , is a Scottish rock guitarist and vocalist, best known for his work with Elton John.-Career:...
as well as Ray Cooper, Kiki Dee and Skaila Kanga (who played harp on Elton John's self-titled album
Elton John (album)
Elton John is the eponymous second album by English singer/songwriter Elton John, released in 1970. It was his first album, however, released in America, thus commonly assumed by many as his debut, as Empty Sky would not be released in the U.S. until 1975...
and Tumbleweed Connection
Tumbleweed Connection
Tumbleweed Connection is the third album by English international recording artist Elton John. It is a concept album based on the Country and Western/Americana themes. All songs are written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John with the exception of "Love Song" by Lesley Duncan. It was recorded at...
). The album was produced by Chris Thomas
Chris Thomas (record producer)
Chris Thomas is an English record producer who has worked extensively with The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Roxy Music, Badfinger, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Pulp and The Pretenders. He has also produced breakthrough albums for The Sex Pistols and INXS.Thomas is quoted as saying -Early life:Thomas was...
and recorded at Air Studios in Montserrat
Montserrat
Montserrat is a British overseas territory located in the Leeward Islands, part of the chain of islands called the Lesser Antilles in the West Indies. This island measures approximately long and wide, giving of coastline...
(the same studio for Jump Up!
Jump Up!
Jump Up! is the 16th studio album by British singer/songwriter Elton John, released in 1982 on Rocket Records except in the US and Canada, where it was released on Geffen Records. It features such songs as "Empty Garden ", a tribute to John Lennon...
) and Sunset Sound Recorders
Sunset Sound Recorders
Sunset Sound Recorders is a recording studio in Hollywood, California, located at 6650 Sunset Boulevard.The Sunset Sound Recorders complex was converted in 1962 by Walt Disney's Director of Recording, Tutti Camarata, from a collection of old commercial and residential buildings - some built more...
in Hollywood
Hollywood, Los Angeles, California
Hollywood is a famous district in Los Angeles, California, United States situated west-northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Due to its fame and cultural identity as the historical center of movie studios and movie stars, the word Hollywood is often used as a metonym of American cinema...
. The original LP issue of the album featured a die-cut cover with a special inner sleeve. The four shapes shown on the cover were cut out, with the colours (shown as ink smears on the inner sleeve) showing through the holes. No CD release to date has duplicated these die-cuts. For the first time since Empty Sky
Empty Sky
Empty Sky is the debut album of British singer/songwriter Elton John, released on June 3, 1969. It was finally released in the United States in January 1975, with a different cover photograph, well after John's fame had been established internationally...
, John would handle all keyboards on this album, due to the departure of James Newton-Howard.
All b-sides released on US singles from this time originate from the 1978 album A Single Man and the 1980 album 21 at 33
21 at 33
-Side two:...
sessions. They were also previously released on European singles. In the U.S. it was certified Gold on January 18, 1984 and Platinum on October 13, 1995 by the RIAA.
Track listing
All music composed by Elton JohnElton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
, except where noted; all lyrics written by Bernie Taupin
Bernie Taupin
Bernard John "Bernie" Taupin is an English lyricist, poet, and singer, best known for his long-term collaboration with Elton John, writing the lyrics for the majority of the star's songs, making his lyrics some of the best known in pop-rock's history.In 1967, Taupin answered an advertisement in...
.
Side one
- "Cold as Christmas (In the Middle of the Year)" – 4:19
- "I'm Still StandingI'm Still Standing"I'm Still Standing" is a song on English pop rock performer Elton John's 1983 album, Too Low for Zero. He sings about making a comeback despite problems in daily life. The video, directed by Russell Mulcahy, was shot in Cannes and Nice on the Côte d'Azur in France and features the colours of the...
" – 3:02 - "Too Low for Zero" – 5:46
- "Religion" – 4:05
- "I Guess That's Why They Call It the BluesI Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues"I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues" is a song by British singer Elton John featuring Stevie Wonder on harmonica...
" (Music: John, Davey JohnstoneDavey JohnstoneDavey Johnstone , is a Scottish rock guitarist and vocalist, best known for his work with Elton John.-Career:...
) – 4:41
Side two
- "Crystal" – 5:05
- "Kiss the Bride" – 4:22
- "Whipping Boy" – 3:43
- "Saint" – 5:17
- "One More Arrow" – 3:34
Bonus tracks (1998 Mercury reissue)
- "Earn While You Learn" (Lord Choc Ice (Elton John)) – 6:46
- B-side of "I'm Still Standing" recorded in 1978 and withdrawn as a 12" picture disc-single.
- "Dreamboat" – 7:34
- B-side also recorded in 1978. Lyrics by Gary OsborneGary OsborneGary Osborne is an English singer and songwriter from the United Kingdom.-Career:Osborne was born in London, educated in Switzerland, and followed his father into the music industry at the age of fifteen....
though not credited.
- B-side also recorded in 1978. Lyrics by Gary Osborne
- "The Retreat" – 4:46
- UK b-side from 1982 recorded during the sessions for The Fox
| Song | Format |
|---|---|
| "Choc Ice Goes Mental" | I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues 7" (UK) / Kiss the Bride 7" (US) |
| "The Retreat" | I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues 7" (US) |
| "Love So Cold" | I'm Still Standing 7" (US) |
| "Earn While You Learn" | I'm Still Standing 7" / 12" (UK) |
| "Dreamboat" | Kiss the Bride 7" (edited version) / 12" (full version) (UK) |
| "I'm Still Standing" (extended version) | I'm Still Standing 12" (UK) |
| "Je Veux De La Tendresse" (French version of "Nobody Wins") | Cold as Christmas / Crystal 12" (UK) |
| "Lonely Boys" | 'Too Low for Zero 7" (Europe) |
Though Chris Thomas was the album's original producer, Gus Dudgeon supervised the remastering for the 1998 Geffen re-release.
Personnel
- Elton JohnElton JohnSir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
- keyboards, lead vocals - Davey JohnstoneDavey JohnstoneDavey Johnstone , is a Scottish rock guitarist and vocalist, best known for his work with Elton John.-Career:...
- guitars, vocals - Dee MurrayDee MurrayDee Murray was an English bassist, best known as a member of Elton John's original rock band.-Biography:Murray was born David Murray Oates in Southgate, London in 1946...
- bass, vocals - Nigel OlssonNigel OlssonNigel Olsson is an English rock drummer, who is best known for his work with Elton John. Olsson helped establish the Elton John sound as one of the first members of John's band, on drums, percussion and backing vocals. When not working with Elton, Olsson has taken up the role of a session musician...
- drums, vocals - Ray CooperRay CooperRay Cooper is an English musician. He is a session and road-tour percussionist, and occasional actor, who has worked with several musically diverse bands and artists including George Harrison, Billy Joel, Eric Clapton, and Elton John. Cooper is commonly regarded by music fans, critics and fellow...
- percussion on "Cold as Christmas (In the Middle of the Year)", "Earn While You Learn" and "Dreamboat" - Skaila Kanga - harp on "Cold as Christmas (In the Middle of the Year)"
- Kiki DeeKiki DeeKiki Dee is an English singer with a career spanning more than 40 years....
- vocals on "Cold as Christmas (In the Middle of the Year)" - Stevie WonderStevie WonderStevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
- harmonica on "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues" - James Newton-Howard - string arrangements on "One More Arrow"
On bonus tracks
- Produced by Elton John and Clive Franks
- Elton John - pianos, keyboards, vocals on all tracks
- Tim RenwickTim RenwickTimothy John Pearson 'Tim' Renwick is an English guitarist.-Career:Renwick started playing guitar in the 1960s. He performed with many bands, including Little Women, Wages of Sin, Junior's Eyes, The Hype, Quiver and Lazy Racer...
- guitars on "Earn While You Learn" and "Dreamboat" - Steve Holly - drums on "Earn While You Learn" and "Dreamboat"
- Clive Franks - bass on "Earn While You Learn" and "Dreamboat"
- Ray CooperRay CooperRay Cooper is an English musician. He is a session and road-tour percussionist, and occasional actor, who has worked with several musically diverse bands and artists including George Harrison, Billy Joel, Eric Clapton, and Elton John. Cooper is commonly regarded by music fans, critics and fellow...
- tambourine on "Earn While You Learn" and "Dreamboat", triangle on "Earn While You Learn" - Paul Buckmaster - orchestra arrangement on "Dreamboat"
- Steve LukatherSteve LukatherSteve "Luke" Lukather is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, arranger, and record producer best known for his work with the rock band Toto. Lukather has played with many artists, released several solo albums, and worked as a composer, arranger, and session guitarist on more than 1,500 albums...
- guitar on "The Retreat" - Reggie McBride - bass on "The Retreat"
- Alvin Taylor - drums on "The Retreat"
- David PaichDavid PaichDavid Frank Paich is a session musician, keyboard player, recording producer, arranger, vocalist and main composer of the Los Angeles-based rock/pop band Toto. David is the son of the late jazz composer, musician, and arranger Marty Paich...
- organ on "The Retreat" - James Newton-Howard - keyboards on "The Retreat"
Credits
- Produced by Chris ThomasChris Thomas (record producer)Chris Thomas is an English record producer who has worked extensively with The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Roxy Music, Badfinger, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Pulp and The Pretenders. He has also produced breakthrough albums for The Sex Pistols and INXS.Thomas is quoted as saying -Early life:Thomas was...
- Recorded by Bill PriceBill Price (record producer)Bill Price is a producer and engineer famed for his work with The Clash, The Sex Pistols, Guns N' Roses, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Nymphs and The Waterboys....
- Mastered by Chris ThomasChris Thomas (record producer)Chris Thomas is an English record producer who has worked extensively with The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Roxy Music, Badfinger, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Pulp and The Pretenders. He has also produced breakthrough albums for The Sex Pistols and INXS.Thomas is quoted as saying -Early life:Thomas was...
(UK) and Greg FulginitiGreg FulginitiGregory Fulginiti is an American recording and mastering engineer.In a career spanning three decades, Fulginiti was nominated for the TEC Awards by Mix magazine 6 times, earned 175 Gold and Platinum Awards, 25 Multi-Platinum Awards, 100 Number One recordings, 135 Grammy nominees, including the...
(US)
Certifications
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Chart positions
| Chart (1983/84) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Kent Music Report Albums Chart Kent Music Report The Kent Music Report was a weekly record chart of Australian music singles and albums which was compiled by music enthusiast David Kent from May 1974 through to 1998... |
2 |
| Canadian RPM Albums Chart RPM (magazine) RPM was a Canadian music industry publication that featured song and album charts for Canada. The publication was founded by Walt Grealis in February 1964, supported through its existence by record label owner Stan Klees. RPM ceased publication in November 2000.RPM stood for "Records, Promotion,... |
17 |
| Dutch Mega Albums Chart MegaCharts MegaCharts is responsible for the composition and exploitation of a broad collection of official charts in the Netherlands, of which the Mega Top 50 and the Mega Album Top 100 are the most known ones. Mega Charts also provides information to the Stichting Nederlandse Top 40, of which the Dutch Top... |
28 |
| French SNEP Albums Chart | 11 |
| Japanese Oricon Albums Chart Oricon , established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc... |
71 |
| New Zealand Albums Chart | 2 |
| Norwegian VG-lista Albums Chart VG-lista VG-listen is a Norwegian record chart. It is weekly presented in the newspaper VG and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation program Topp 20. It is considered the primary Norwegian record chart, charting albums and singles from countries and continent around the world. The data is collected by... |
6 |
| Swedish Albums Chart | 30 |
| Swiss Albums Chart | 6 |
| UK Albums Chart UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... |
7 |
| U.S. Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
25 |
| West German Media Control Albums Chart | 5 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (1983) | Position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums Chart | 3 |
| Canadian Albums Chart RPM Year-End RPM Year-End charts are a cumulative measure of a single or album's performance in Canada, based upon the RPM magazine charts during any given chart year.-RPM year-end number ones:... |
79 |
| UK Albums Chart | 16 |
| Chart (1984) | Position |
| Australian Albums Chart | 8 |
| UK Albums Chart | 74 |
Decade-end charts
| Chart (1980-89) | Position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums Chart | 7 |